Newcastle is a small(ish) city with a big heart, with enough to keep you busy without coming across as overwhelming if you're unfamiliar with the place. It's also lovely to live in; the Quayside has recently been voted as the best place to live in the north and north east. When visiting a new city, though, it's all too easy to fall into the trap of only hitting up its 'big' landmarks. FFD won't let you fall into those traps! Our city guide to Newcastle is here to talk you through some of the Toon's most stylish places to shop, drink, hang out and more.

Shopping##

Grainger Market, as one of the few 19th Century covered markets that are still open (and thriving), is well worth a mooch around if you have a lazy afternoon to spare – from old-school weighhouses to clothing stalls to a wealth of eateries.

Our pick? Scandi homeware, fashion and lifestyle concept store KOTA, which is one of the market's latest additions.

As well as having the sprawling Metro Centre (the largest shopping centre in the UK) on its doorstep, which stocks all the high street goodness you'll ever need, Newcastle has some lovely independent boutiques if you're on the hunt for something more high-end. The service at Jules B is second-to-none, for example, and the very swishy Cruise is adored by Newcastle's fashion elite for a reason. Visiting the award-winning Have to Love is a must, too, if you're a fan of sequins, pink, or fluffy things.

Coffee & Tea##

Pumphrey's Coffee Centre and Brewing Emporium is something of a Newcastle institution, having won a slew of awards for its coffee (including Best Espresso and Best Cappuccino, in case you're wondering what to order), giving you just another excuse to hit up Grainger Market.

Friends fans will delight in Heaton Perk, located in the student-centric area Heaton, whose decor takes inspiration from Central Perk. Pink Lane Coffee, which has its own roastery, is also well worth the trip for its vast, award-winning coffee offering, tasty lunch bites and sweet treats.

If you're not a coffee person, check out Quilliam Brothers' Tea House, which offers (arguably) more teas than you could ever need, alongside an in-house cinema and mini gallery.

Arts & Culture##

OK, it's technically in Gateshead, but we can't not put The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art on this list. Sitting near The Sage (another cultural gem!) on the south bank of the Tyne, the Baltic boasts some of the best contemporary art exhibits in the region, as well as an ever-revolving calendar of special talks and other events. Entry is free, too, and the gift shop is great.

The Biscuit Factory is the UK's largest art, craft and design-specific gallery; even looking at it from the outside it's impressive, as it's housed within a former Victorian-era warehouse. The Biscuit Factory's exhibit space is huge, but this is also a great place to come to buy art as well as to see it. Elsewhere, if you're new to the city and hoping to make new friends, you could do worse than heading to Kommunity, which, as the name suggests, is a large community space that plays host to dance classes, wellbeing-focused events, film and DJ nights and raves... including the odd daytime rave.

Drinking & Dancing##

Although its exterior is a bit of an eyesore (are any clubs ever that pretty, though?), World Headquarters welcomes everyone and promotes diversity, serving as a breath of fresh air from the plasticky world of the 'Diamond Strip', a.k.a the glossy but very sames-y street in central Newcastle popularised in Geordie Shore and frequented by, well, the kind of people who watch Geordie Shore non-ironically.

Cosmic Ballroom and The Cut are both more intimate clubs, with constantly stellar line-ups of DJs on their books, while The Cluny is one of Newcastle's best small venues to see live music in.

If you're not into clubbing, one of the loveliest bars to head to is The Botanist which, yes, is part of a chain, but is totally worth the trip for its delicious cocktails, dreamy decor and epic view of the city from above the Monument.

I’m sure I’m not the first person to describe Divine as a force of nature and I definitely won’t be the last, but she was just that. You are smacked in the face with her look, her charisma; her very presence omits energy, it’s explosive, so it's only right that her aesthetic would match her overflowing magnetism.

Many of those not so familiar with Divine probably aren’t aware of her aesthetic legacy, particularly on contemporary drag. I guess to acknowledge it would be to acknowledge that drag would not be the same if Divine were alive; it would certainly make it much harder to produce for mass consumption (referring to of course RuPaul’s drag). I mean I love Drag Race, but drag would be a different beast with Divine still at play. An aesthetic outlaw, she was about beauty and anti-beauty, a combination that should be so wrong but is in fact wonderfully right. Her look was so iconic it even served as inspiration for, in my opinion the best Disney character, Ursula (the Sea Witch to give her full title).

A master class in bad taste, more specifically intentional bad taste, which at its root is a political statement - a love letter to the outsider, and there is no more of an outsider than a 300 hundred pound man with eyebrows painted so high on his forehead that half of his hair is shaved off from the front, wearing a skin tight dress, and screaming about not getting their cha cha heels, but that is Divine.

When people think Divine, they probably first think about eating dog poo, then they think makeup - more specifically, eyes. Her eye makeup was in fact so infamous that Kat Von D’s makeup line recently released its ‘I am Divine’ collection, consisting of a lipstick and the feature item, the eyeshadow palette. The eyeshadow palette clearly draws its main inspiration from Divine’s most extreme eye look from cult classic Pink flamingos.

The brows are sharper and higher on the head than ever and that blue eyeshadow is painted on her forehead giving her that iconic Divine beat. You only have to look at contemporary drag queens like Trixie Mattel and Kim Chi to see the influence her makeup had. Like everything about Divine it was original, unapologetic and iconic. From the over drawn lip line, to the mole, to the winged black eyeliner, all pulling her face up and into a sharper instrument - one perfect for filth.

The most infamous hair style of Divine had to be the look from Pink Flamingoes - her most copied look. The backcombed bouffant was bright and big with harsh black roots, but the real attention grabber was the front hairline: it was intentionally shaved extremely far back.

Cosmetician Van Smith originally created the hairstyle for the look. In order to create the infamous eye makeup and eyebrows it was decided to create as much landscape as possible, so the hairline was taken further and further back. As iconic as Divine was with hair, she looked amazing with no hair, yes before Sasha Velour was a queen rocking her natural bald head, Divine was doing it, serving some Little Edie realness with her bald head and scarf pulled back to accommodate those eyebrows.

So body positivity is a heavily discussed topic of late, but in Divine’s time it really wasn’t. It wasn’t common to see a plus size girl wear tight, revealing and sexy clothes, but that’s exactly what she did, every street was her catwalk, every place her stage and she strutted with confidence oozing from every pore.

She was the trash supermodel of the world who always unapologetically embraced her body. Even now we don’t really see a plus size person being the star, the centre of attention, but that’s what Divine was. She was larger than life - literally. Her clothes were tight and bright, not trying to hide any lumps or bumps but rather celebrate them. It had to be Pink Flamingos, her breakout role, that made her the star she was meant to be. The red mermaid tail dress it was loud, it was tight, it was sexy, it was Divine.

It goes without saying that Divine had attitude, but it's the attitude that makes it. You can paint the mug, you can wear the dress – hell, you can even eat the dog poo - but without the attitude, you’re just a person eating shit, literally. Her energy was powerful and attitude overflowing.

A force of nature, she was a star. For those that know the real story, it wasn’t Harris Glenn Milstead’s (the man behind Divine) goal to become this person. I’m not even sure he knew what he created. It speaks to his talent as an actor and an artist to channel this attitude, and while he has sadly passed away, Divine’s legacy will last forever.

|Cruelty Free and Vegan are the buzzwords of today's world. What does vegan fashion mean, and how can you adapt it? Find out more here.

If you're a regular Fashion Fix Daily reader, you'll know that we are BIG on cruelty-free beauty, but what about cruelty-free fashion?

For many consumers, ethics and sustainability in fashion centres around the use of animal by-products, this means not only animal furs, hairs and skins used in the clothing, but also dyes, glues and other chemicals that utilise elements of animals that would not be considered vegan or cruelty-free.

The animal products most used in fashion garments and accessories are:

Leather

Suede

Wool

Shearling

Cashmere

Alpaca

Fur

Mohair

Silk

Feathers and Down

Felt

Exotic Skins

In addition to the obvious and significant ethical issues surrounding the culling and mistreatment of animals for their hides, and being extremely land, water, and energy intensive, the meat and leather industry is one of the most environmentally harmful in the world. Meat and leather production is responsible for the emission of more man-made greenhouse gases (18%) than the global transportation industry (13%). The chemicals used in leather tanning make it one of the most toxic processes. Chrome, a known carcinogen, is used in vast measures, and the groundwater in the vicinity of leather tanneries in developing countries has been found to contain critically high concentrations of formaldehyde, lead, and even cyanide. This causes cancer and other fatal illnesses in the surrounding populations.

Furthermore, animal skins used for clothing and accessories are pumped with corrosive, toxic chemicals that prevent them from decomposing – the antithesis of what we would expect from natural resources. This impact is made only more severe by the deforestation associated with animal rearing that has resulted in the loss of important ecosystem services.

With growing ethical and environmental concerns surrounding the use of animal by-products in fashion, pioneering technology has allowed for the development of vegan, plant-based textile and fabric alternatives, which include:

Organic cotton

Faux Leather

Cork

Recycled Polyester

Viscose

Bamboo

Modal

Tencel

Hemp

Jute

Linen

*Remember, be wary of alternatives labeled as vegetarian, for they may use glues or other substances that use animal products.

Emma Smith, designer and founder of vegan accessories brand Charlie Feist, knows that cruelty-free fashion is just as important as food:

"As lovers of animals (especially puppies), we think its not right to use animal products in our collection. To be honest, in 2018, with the number of animal substitutes that exist, it doesn’t make sense to use animal products."

Hostels are so last season darling, and don't even get me started on Europe's budget hotels. We know the Trump Hotels look appealing, but if you are planning a trip away there really is nothing better than an Airbnb.

From Cotswold to Costa Rica, Airbnb has just what you are looking for. Whether you want to curl up in a clam, or make your bed in a beer barrel, the days of bunking up and simply settling are long gone. (And thank goodness for that!) Really, the tough part is choosing where to visit next! So why not turn this holiday booking around and find the destination through accommodation?

Well FFD are here to help cherry-pick the coolest, quirkiest, and most all-around awesome Airbnb listings online. Send us a postcard?

Who needs a house when you can rent your whole damn Island?! If you are looking for some solitude, you can't get better than this. Enjoy all by yourself (or with up to nine guests) prices include 3 organic meals a day, Island staff and flights from the mainland.
Prices from £246 Per Night

A bit closer to home, well, Norwich to be exact. Live the rustic life with this amazing Yurt accomodation. Don't let the size fool you, this round house, yurt combo has all the capabilities of a city stop over. Well, with a difference!
Prices from £40 Per Night

Be kind to the planet as you lap up holiday luxury in this impressive eco-cottage, which slays in style and sustainability. Take a leisurely snooze in a curtain-enclosed bed fit for royalty, and savour your Indonesian coffee each morning on your private patio, as you gaze out over the rice fields.
Prices from £34 Per Night

You used to call me from your shell-home (!!!) If you're looking for something particularly jaw dropping, Seashell House is a whitewashed, curvilinear villa in Isla Mujeres, Mexico — and it's looks just like, well, an actual seashell. Take the round staircase up to the master bedroom, which boasts stunning views of the Caribbean sea. Rumour has it it turns you into a mermaid too*.
*it doesn't turn you into a mermaid)
Prices from £224 Per Night

I may have a thing for Bamboo, but! With four floors and three bedrooms full of the stuff, this home for up to seven even comes with it's own personal chef! Well, I don't think it could be more instagram-able if you tried.
Prices From £266 Per Night

CUBE-ULAR! The kooky space is spread over three floors and accommodates 4, with a cozy box room at the top that offers epic 360-degree views. Amsterdam is less than an hour away by train, but would you really want to leave this architectural heaven? Spotting which one is yours has never been so easy!
Prices from £127 Per Night

If Bear Grylls isn't your idea of a good time, give Glamping a go! Suprisingly spacious, these dome like tents are the perfect way to star gaze, you know, if you get bored of the surrounding sights of Ben Lawers mountain range and Loch Tay.
Prices from £75 Per Night

Stay in a replica of Van Gogh’s bedroom as depicted in the artist’s own work. Uh huh, you can sleep inside your very own painting. This special experience has been launched to coincide with The Art Institute of Chicago’s new exhibition, which showcases domestic spaces that Van Gogh painted. What a masterpiece!
Prices from £8 Per Night

Yes, you can in fact stay in this neon delight of a trailer, also known as Muffin Mansion. For those who like life more colourful, this once-upon-a-time cupcake shop is the kitschest, and cutest thing we’ve ever seen. Please take us with you.
Prices from £61 per night

OK, this may put our childhood efforts to shame but something tells us this American getaway isn't just your average treehouse. Weirdly perched in the heart of the busy city and right in amongst the tree tops) we’re just one reckless life decision away from moving in for good.
Prices from £302 per night

You want quirky? I'll give you quirky. How about this incredible, beagle-shaped inn in Cottonwood, Idaho? HA! Told ya! Cozy up with selections from their library of books, games & puzzles many of which are dog themed. Naturally, it's puppy friendly too.
Prices from £101 Per Night

Travelling when you are vegan can be a little difficult, but if you do some work before you go then it should be plain sailing.

Research as Much as You Can

Look into where you are going, not just for fun things to do, eat and see, but for things to avoid. I went to Seville last week and whilst I had an AMAZING time I knew I did not want to go anywhere near their bullring so I made sure it wasn't beside anything I wanted to do.

Plan Plan Plan

Looking for places to eat can be annoying especially if you are hungry and everywhere just seems to have ham & cheese in every dish. I like to go onto happy cow (they have an app but the website is free) and bookmark any restaurants that look interesting. I'll then check reviews and then their location to any tourist spots I'll be visiting! That way I don't have to plan in loads of travel time for food breaks when I want to explore as much as possible.

Learn the Language

This can be something as simple as learning how to say hello, how are you! You can learn how to say you are vegan or that you can't eat meat or dairy, or just that you can only speak English! Trying a little goes a long way.

Give them Options

If you arrive somewhere that's got no vegan options on the menu and there isn't anything that can be substituted then give the waiter some help. Ask if they can do some pasta and roasted veg, or even if you can make a vegan starter into the main course! If you are in Europe be aware that most nice Italian places make their pasta from scratch, this means it'll contain eggs. BUT, if you ask for gluten free pasta it's usually dried & egg free! Just remember to double check bases, sauces and dressings, just because something doesn't say milk/cream/meat doesn't mean it's not there.

Don't Get Frustrated

If a waiter doesn't understand what you are asking don't get frustrated. Some places are still learning what veganism is and helping them instead of getting mad will not only ensure they are willing to help you find something to eat, it'll also mean that they will have a clear understanding when the next vegan walks through their door!

Finally, remember that it's ok to slip up! We all make mistakes and trying your hardest is ALL you can do. You are on holiday, you should be relaxing and enjoying yourself and NOT beating yourself up about something you ate without knowing.

Have you really been somewhere if you haven't taken a photo? If you are like me, you'll probably take photographs of everything. I don't necessarily put everything on social media; I just like to have it on my phone!

Have you really been somewhere if you haven't taken a photo? If you are like me, you'll probably take photographs of everything. I don't necessarily put everything on social media; I just like to have it on my phone!

When it comes to London, I think there's so much to do and see it can be a case of whipping your phone out for everything you see but what is the best spot to take the perfect Instagram pic? I have chosen some of the most instagrammable spots in Soho.

The iconic building is full of every treat you can think of. I work nearby and constantly see people take pictures of the front of the building and by the florists. Why wouldn't you? It's perfect for a scenic shot or a tourist selfie.

Behind Liberty you'll find Carnaby St. It has such a history for music and 60s culture but it looks pretty different now, full of boutiques and shops. You'll see lots of people taking pictures near the road sign and any street decorations, especially nearer to Christmas!

Just off from Carnaby Street you will find this wall of street art by Lakwena, with bright colours and geometric patterns that are the perfect backdrop for any picture. Check her IG out as she regularly paints amazing art across the city.

Adopting a Vegan and Cruelty Free lifestyle has never been easier, but there are still some things all of us can learn, whether it's a new recipe, a new product or a brand that have changed their cruelty free status.

Adopting a Vegan and Cruelty Free lifestyle has never been easier, but there are still some things all of us can learn, whether it's a new recipe, a new product or a brand that have changed their cruelty free status.

At only an hour away by train from Malaga, you will be whisked away to the twisty streets and historic sights of this medieval city (as featured on Game of Thrones!).

Spend the morning

Head along to the Mezquita first thing in the morning, not only will you miss the crowds but you’ll also save money as between 8:30am and 9:30am entrance is free (note that security will start pushing you towards the door at 9:20). If you want a more leisurely stay it re-opens at 10am costing 8 euros. The 11th-century building was reclaimed by the Christians who built their cathedral within the heart of the Mosque. The red and white arches seem to run on forever, they are in fact the length of four football pitches!

All that wandering will surely make you hungry, time for a pit stop at Bar Santos, located on Calle Magistral González Francés, 3. Re-invigorate yourself with a beer and a slice from the biggest tortilla you may have ever seen!

Have lunch

Try a local dish known as flamenquín. It consists of slices of Jamon serrano wrapped in pieces of pork loin which are then coated in egg and breadcrumbs and deep fried. Try it at Casa Pepe de la Juderia, Calle Romero.

Spend the afternoon

Wandering around the Juderia area with its cobbled streets lined with flower pots. Then head east to Plaza del Potro, mentioned by Cervantes in Don Quixote.

Dine out

Along from Plaza del Potro is Bodegas Campos, Calle Lineros, 32. This is a traditional bodega covered in Flamenco posters and signed barrels of sherry, see if you can find former UK prime minister Tony Blair’s barrel. You can stop off for a tapa here or stay for a full meal. Both the relaxed tavern and restaurant have excellent food.

Late night wander

The Roman Bridge over the river. Walk across and then look back for a beautiful view - at night the Mezquita is illuminated and makes for a romantic end to the day. The bridge may be better known to most as the Long Bridge of Volantis from Game of Thrones, though you may need to use your imagination to fill in all the CGI from the TV show!

|A Staycation may just be the cure to your wanderlust. The new trend is here to stay - look no further for the best staycation spots.

Chasing the sun may seem like the pinnacle of your Winter, but what about all the things you will be missing if you venture too far from home?

Now we're not knocking winter sun, not at all, but sometimes taking a vacation in your own city will give you that much needed pick me up. Especially if you treat yourself to a little break straight after the Christmas party! There are plenty of things we always want to do but never get round to, booking yourself into a hotel & acting like you are on vacation is the perfect opportunity to do those things you keep putting off! Take a painting class, spend the day at a Christmas market, go for a fizzy brunch or just go shopping!

If you want to act like a real tourist in your own city we recommend taking a tour or going to see a exhibition at a museum. The Glasgow Tour Bus is surprisingly informative, just remember to wrap up warm!

The Blythwood hotel in Glasgow is one of the most beautiful in the city. Boasting a spa, events rooms, a cinema & a cocktail lounge it will leave you wanting nothing. Oh did we mention the decor is breathtaking?

Treat yourself to a dinner in the salon or pop out and wander to one of the award winning restaurants Glasgow has to offer. If you feel like drinks Cocktails in the Blythswood are a must, we recommend the rally fizz for a chic start to the night and they have a kings ransom in whiskey choices for your nightcap.

The morning after a night on the tiles is always a difficult one and that's where the Blythswood really shines. Relax in bed with one of the many magazines in your room, head down to breakfast for a hearty full Scottish fry up (vegetarian option available) and then pop into the spa for a truly relaxing and hangover curing morning. Doesn't get much better than that does it?

| Cold and crisp... There's little to say about the Berlin weather during winter - but there's heaps to say about it's wintery culture and appeal.

Berlin, it's a place where you spend your days wandering around looking at architecture, sitting in beer gardens or buying a beer from a Späti (Corner shop). Not somewhere you visit when it is minus one!

However, grab your mittens and scarf, Berlin is a place that is worth a visit out of season, especially when there are fewer tourists to battle through.

Berlinale

Rub shoulders with the glitterati at this globally renowned film festival. It's like Cannes only cooler, way cooler. (February 11-21, 2016; berlinale.de).

Visit Tiergarten

If you time it perfectly and there is snow then a visit to Tiergarten is a must. This vast park in the centre of what was West Berlin is hauntingly romantic when it snows. It's eerie, solemn and you can finish up with a cake at Café am Neuen See.

Arena in Treptow

Originally a bus garage, Arena is now an entertainment complex. It houses a club, theatre, cafe and even a swimming pool - that's one for the hotter weather! From fashion shows to club nights, there is something for everyone here.

Wander around the kiez

Each Kiez (neighbourhood) in Berlin has its own vibe. Stay close to your hotel and hop between bars, or cafes to keep warm. Discover the best coffee in the area or just stick to the bars!

Visit the Reichstag

Constructed in 1894, it housed the government until 1933 when it was set on fire. The Reichstag building was reconstructed but retained the graffiti left by Soviet soldiers after the final battle for Berlin in April–May 1945. It re-opened in 1999 following German reunification. Visits are free and worth it for the views and the architecture.

Soviet War Memorial

A huge war memorial and military cemetery in Treptower Park. Built to commemorate 5,000 of the 80,000 Soviet soldiers who fell in the Battle of Berlin in April–May 1945. Made with stone and granite from Hitler's Chancellery.

House of World Cultures

The Haus der Kulturen der Welt contains art exhibitions, theatre and dance performances, concerts, author readings, films and much more. The hall was gifted by the USA as is known locally as "the pregnant oyster".

Stasimuseum

The headquarters of the national security of East Germany. Step into a different era and learn all about spying, especially on your neighbours.

The Boros Collection

Ever thought of visiting an ex-sex club which also used to be an air raid shelter? Thankfully the space is now a private collection of contemporary art! Booking in advance is advised.

Visit some WWII/ Cold War sites

Sad to write this but horrible history is popular in Berlin. With the colder weather meaning fewer tourists, it will be easier to wander around at your own pace and contemplate.

| Is there anything better than jetting off on a warm holiday? Well there is, jetting off to the warm sun in the middle of cool winter weather.

Pull yourself out of bed, pack your case, and travel through the sleet to the airport and find some sun and a beach to lay your weary head.

1. Cape Verde

About an hours flying time from the Canaries, Cape Verde lies around 350 miles off the coast of Senegal, so you will get some sun and heat here. The temperature in Cape Verde averages around 20 degrees throughout winter.

2. Cuba

Being back in favour with America means that there will be more tourists to join those who had already discovered the charms of Cuba. The North of the island has some stunning beaches just waiting to be discovered.

3. Florida

It's not called "The Sunshine State" for nothing, Florida is an old favourite for family holidays. For theme parks in the sun head to Orlando or try a fly-drive and explore more of the hidden side of Florida away from the tourists.

4. The Canaries

From the parties in Playa del Ingles or the sand dunes and camels at Maspalomas, Gran Canaria has something to keep everyone happy, and sunny and warm. The largest island, Tenerife, has party action as well but with the added feature of having its own volcano, Mount Teide, that you can explore thanks to a cable car which takes you near the summit.

5. Barbados

Fancy a piece of the UK in the Caribbean? Then Barbados is the one for you. Hire a car and explore. They drive on the left or visit one of the luxury resorts on the island.

6. Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City is renowned for its food scene, or visit colonial Saigon. Gorgeous scenery and history surround you in this tropical country.

7. Morrocco

Dive into the souks and haggle for some spices or some finely crafted leather goods. From mountain ranges to city breaks as well as stunning coastal resorts, Morrocco has got to be visited to be believed.

8. Rio de Janerio

Head to Rio de Janerio for the Rio Carnival in February. Party with some samba rhythms, visit Christ the Redeemer and then recover on Ipanema beach.

9. Madeira

Rugged, green and perfect for those who love to explore nature or for those who just want to relax and chill out. Find yourself a quinta, a local small hotel and soak up some of the Madeiran ambience.

10. Costa Rica

Known more for its coffee than holiday destination, Costa Rica not only has warm weather and perfect beaches but two seas, the Pacific and Caribbean. Take your pick of a sea and relax.

|A quick Google search can find you plenty of healthy living tips, but self-care also includes the mind. Here's our experience with Tarot.

Some people swear by meditation. Others trade in sun salutations and a stringent yoga routine or gratitude lists.

It’s not that I didn’t try these tried and tested methods of self-care, believe me I did, but when it came to sitting with my own thoughts I found myself getting unbelievably itchy. I was (and am) constantly looking for a way to get to the next task. Self-care became another thing to check off a list and trying to practice mindfulness became the anti-thesis of nurturing a calm sense of self and instead a source of needless frustration.

Witchcraft as a form of mindfulness is experiencing a bit of a resurgence at the moment – be it thanks to instagramable alters, celebrity endorsement of crystals, or astrological memes (who hasn’t at this point felt personally victimized by @notallgeminis at this point? I HAVE BEEN SEEN.

That said, I tend to take the general mysticism with a pinch of salt – and instead when dining at the spiritual buffet taken a build my own approach. Ritual’s became a way to foster routine and structure (something that my black dog benefits from) and mantras became setting of intention. And tarot? Well tarot became a form of meditation. Or more so a form of checking in.

Tarot for me at least isn’t a form of divination, and I think if you’re looking for something to tell you your future then you may as well turn to a magic eight ball for all the accuracy it has as a fortune telling device.

Instead – it’s become a way of reaffirming things that I already know, highlighting the things that I’m stressed about and looking at things in a new light. In short, it’s a way of guided meditation. A clunky and inaccurate description but honestly the easiest way I can make sense of it.

The 72 cards that make up a deck all have different meanings – from the four suits (wands, pentacles, swords and cups) to the Major Arcana that make up key life points. Each card has surface meanings that can be applied to just about anything and their placement in a spread is a way for you to think about how that card applies to the aspect. My go to for both myself and when reading friends is a Celtic cross – a 10 card spread that can give you an overall view of a situation including drives, challenges and hopes and fears.

Whenever reading my own cards of course I’ll have a question that I’m hoping for a bit more perspective on – however often as I lay out the cards I’ll see them apply to other aspects of my life that I may have otherwise neglected. It’s a form of taking the blinders off for a moment and allowing your inner voice to speak up, even if it is for 15 minutes.

Learning the cards themselves has been so rewarding. Focusing on one card a day allowed me to explore the different meanings as well as the universal visual language that cross cultures (ie: cups are associated with water and emotions, swords with logic and intellect – think sharpness) and selecting a deck with clear and beautiful imagery was part of that. While I’m still very early on in my journey – focusing on basic spreads and not quite ready to read reverse (cards inverted have different meanings) – by teaching myself tarot through online communities, apps and my own internal monologue I’ve learned so much about myself.

My favorite thing however has been reading my friends cards. Often it feels like a mini therapy session. So often when we check in with people it’s a back and forth, but reading someone’s cards allows for a conversation to be entirely about them. They can tell me as little or as much about what the cards have triggered for them. It’s certainly not a substitute for therapy by any means, but it feels like an act of compassion and human curiosity.

For some it’s a cute parlor trick that trades entirely in narcissism (I mean, who DOESN’T want to hear someone tell them about themselves? Just me?) and for some it’s a reaffirmation of what they already know – whether they are ready to admit it or not.

Tarot isn’t for everyone. Maybe burning sages, cleansing crystals and candles is more your thing. Maybe you make your place of self-care the gym or the airport. But for me a routine, a ritual and some conversation, even if it is with myself, is exactly what I needed to quieten my mind.

| Before going through with facial treatments, be sure to know what you're getting into. Microneedling may give you the beautiful skin you desire, but there are no 100% guarantees with beauty.

Last month I went to Charisma Studio in Glasgow to get Microneedling - a mildly-invasive anti-ageing treatment that causes trauma to the skin in order to put it into repair mode; stimulating collagen and elastin production as a result. I expected the treatment itself to be painful, but in the interests of full disclosure, I did not expect the hell that would come once I got home. When my therapist told me, I nearly ran out the room.

Before sharing my own experience, I want to start by sharing a chat that I had with my therapist Zoe at Charisma Studio, as she can explain the science behind the procedure a lot better than I can. Basically though, the form of Microneedling (the puncturing of the skin with small needles) that I had was Dermapen. This is a more advanced form of Microneedling that allows the therapist to vary the needle length/puncture depth for different areas of the face.

What is microneedling and why is it beneficial to the skin?

Microneedling is an advanced facial treatment that uses tiny needles to insert tiny holes or micro channels into the skin to cause a trauma and to force the skin to use its natural ability to repair itself. This puts skin into the rejuvenation process, where collagen and elastin situated in the dermis are stimulated as a result. As tiny holes are being placed into the pores of the skin, it also allows skincare products to penetrate deeper than normal. Therefore, we recommend that you follow the treatment with quality skincare products, as 95% of the product will be absorbed into the skin. As the needles used are so tiny, there are very little needle marks visible on the skin afterwards, and if there are any, these will only be visible for up to a week.

What makes Dermapen a better option than traditional Microneedling?

Dermapen is the more advanced/modern method of Microneedling. Dermapen works in the exact same way, however the depth of the needle can be controlled and adjusted by the therapist in a way that’s suitable to the individual client. The deepest we can go in the salon is 1.5mm into the skin. When working on a client I will start at 0.5 to 1mm into the forehead (where the skin is thinner and there is a smaller dermis) and 1.5mm into the cheeks (where there is a thicker dermis and a lot more collagen and elastin to be stimulated). With Dermapen you can go up to 2.5mm into the skin, but at this stage it would be classed as a medical treatment. Dermapen, unlike Microneedling, pulses the needles into the skin. This causes a slight vibration, making the treatment less painful. The vibration also helps the Dermapen to glide more over the skin; reducing needle marks.

Who is and isn't suitable for a Dermapen treatment and how often would you recommend having the treatment?

Most people are suitable for a Dermapen treatment. There are, however, a lot of contraindications that means a client cannot get the treatment e.g. if they have Papulopustular Rosacea, Herpes Simplex, Scleroderma, open lesions, Skin Cancer, Acne vulgaris, warts, bacterial/fungal infections, and Solar Keratosis. Also, any client that is on any medication that thins the skin or affects the skin, must be off of the medication for 3 to 2 months (depending on the medication) to ensure it is completely out of the body. Similarly, if a client has recently had a skin peel, they also must wait 4 weeks before getting Dermapen in order for the skin to go through a skin cycle for new skin to be produced.

If a client is just back from a sun holiday or have been on a sunbed, they also must wait at least 2 weeks before the treatment as they will have a build-up in the skin that can cause the skin to burn, blister, scar or cause pigmentation when it goes into rejuvenation process. It will also significantly increase the pain factor.

What can people expect pain-wise during and after the treatment?

During the treatment, it shouldn't feel too painful as the skin has been numbed prior to needling. You will feel needles on the skin but it should be bearable. Straight after the treatment however, you should expect the skin to be extremely painful/feel extreme burning for the first 4 hours. The skin will be extremely angry and red, and you will feel a strong burning sensation similar to severe sunburn.

What after-care skincare regime would you recommend?

I would recommend that a few hours after the treatment, the client gently massages their skin with tepid water (no product) to help soothe the skin and remove any excess dried blood. The client should also apply lots of moisturiser – one that’s approved by therapist and containing lots of antioxidants and Hyaluronic Acid. From the following day post-treatment, skin should be washed twice daily with a gentle cleanser and then blotted dry. Skin scrubs, or any products containing active ingredients and AHAs should be avoided for 3 days. An SPF should be worn always. Make-up should be avoided for 4 hours and then a mineral makeup applied if possible over the next few days. If the skin crusts or scabs, it is important that these should not be picked as it will cause scarring.

How can people be sure that Dermapen is a safe, hygienic treatment?

Dermapen can only be carried out by a trained professional who has gone through vigorous training to understand all about the procedure. This means that the therapist can be trusted and knows exactly what is being done and how to the adapt the treatment to each individual client. Our salon (Charisma Studio in Glasgow) has a special needle waste bin in order to dispose of the used needles hygienically. Each needle cartridge is binned straight after use. In the salon, we even have special feet-controlled sinks so there is no cross-contamination of blood. Gloves are always used too. We also use an advanced skincare range, which is available for clients to purchase after treatment if they do not have suitable products at home to correctly follow the after-care advice with.

When I arrived at Charisma Studio, my skin was numbed with a local anasthetic cream. This was left to work on the skin for around 20 minutes before I was taken into the treatment room. During the treatment, my skin was numb, but not completely without feeling. I did still feel pain, but it was bearable throughout the whole procedure. It feels exactly like you would imagine it does - small needles puncturing your skin with a small sting, followed by a dull burning sensation. Throughout the treatment, the therapist kept pouring a hydrating Hyaluronic Acid onto my skin, so that the needles could push this inside.

By the time the therapist had worked over my entire face, my skin was on fire, was quite swollen and it felt tight - just like I had fallen asleep in the sun and been badly burnt. It also looked red raw. She applied a cooling moisturiser and advised me to keep lathering my skin with a Hyaluronic Acid serum and a rich, hydrating moisturiser at home. I went through nearly a whole bottle of each over the next 24-48 hours. It did get better after 24 hours - the burning significiantly decreased and the swelling and redness dulled. 4 days later I went on television without a skin care in the world.

It's hard to judge the benefits of Microneedling in terms of anti-ageing, as everything is happening at a cellular level. I don't have any wrinkles yet, so I have to hope that it did some good in keeping my skin looking younger for longer. Would I go through it again though? Not a chance.

| Ageing is natural and even the best anti ageing cream won't stop it from happening. But the question is, which skincare product is best for you?

The skincare world evolves fast, with new products constantly coming onto the market and new ‘wonder’ claims popping up everywhere – it can be hard to keep track. Everyone wants to look younger and so the industry is meeting this demand and constantly seeking to reach new heights.

What is the future of anti-ageing skincare? I spoke to Synergy Giffnock (advanced skincare and aesthetics clinic) owner Dr Judy Todd MB ChB, FRCA about what’s in store for us as consumers. Adding in their point of view is Dr Hadi Abushaira MBBCh, MMSc, MSc, MRCP, FRCP, MD, a consultant dermatologist and creator of the Vivderma skincare brand.

Do you think more people are interested in anti-ageing skincare now than they were 10 years ago? Why do you think this is?

JT: Yes, as it is more accessible. Prior to this it was more exclusive. Now, so many people are having treatments that it has almost become the norm. It’s as if, once all your peers are having cosmetic procedures or treatments done, you almost have to do it to keep up or risk looking much older than your years. Celebrities openly talking about it having things done make people aspire to it too.

HA: Yes, more people are interested in using anti-ageing skincare. Once reason is that there is more awareness about the presence of different kinds of skincare products from education and exposure to media and advertisements displaying the use of unique ingredients.

How has the science of anti-ageing progressed over the last decade?

JT: The main breakthrough is in skin tightening, energy-based treatments. This can be done with radio frequency (e.g. the Forma by Invasix treatment) or ultrasound energy (Ultherapy®). You stop making collagen as you age. The decline is from around 23 onwards, with skin becoming more lax - which translates into jowls into your late 30s and 40s. These treatments induce collagen formation by stimulating the fibroblasts (cells that make collagen) to produce. The result is that skin firms, texture improves and jowls lift. Jowls are a real troublesome area for women of this age group.

Also, there has been a lot of research over the years into the pattern of fat loss in the face by a Brazilian plastic surgeon. From that research, he has mapped exact points for placement of dermal filler - often just small volumes being required - to almost magically take years off.

HA: The science of anti-ageing skincare was, and is still, progressing rapidly for various reasons – 1) the development in the chemical scientific technology of discovering and extracting new ingredients, 2) the development in machinery with greater extracting, purifying and mixing capabilities and 3) more people are involved with the skincare industry that have great experience in chemistry and the physiology of the skin.

In the last year, what new research and innovations have been developed?

JT: In the last year there seems to have been an increased focus on aesthetics crossing into sexual health. The O-Shot® and P-Shot® have been gaining popularity as is vaginal tightening treatments with energy-based treatments such as lasers and radio frequency. There is very little solid scientific evidence for the efficacy of these treatments, so it remains to be seen where this will go.

Where do you see anti-ageing skincare going next? Do you have any predictions of things to look out for?

JT: Prevention with medical grade sunscreens and medical-grade skincare regimes to maintain skin health and reduce oxidative damage and stress, I believe, are the future. Prevention is always better than cure. Otherwise, non-surgical treatments will be on the increase. The trend and evolutionary pattern across the whole of medicine and surgery, not just cosmetic medicine, is towards the non- surgical and minimally invasive.

Scalpel-less facelifts with radio frequency (FaceTite and NeckTite) are a minimally invasive alternative to a surgical facelift. It carries far less risks, is cheaper and can look more natural - the ‘wind tunnel’ look of the 80s is not acceptable any more. That said, even surgical facelifts have changed. Many people will have fat transfers to replace lost facial volume in the course of the facelift, giving a much better result than our traditional view of what a facelift used to be like.

Do you think people will be able to do a lot more for their skin at home in the future, instead of attending clinics for the likes of Botox and fillers?

JT: The things that people can do for their skin at home is not to smoke, use a good sunscreen and use a medical-grade skincare regime like ZO. Doing all of these is great prevention, and even some reversal of sun damage and other oxidative damage can be achieved with retinols and other active ingredients.

Botox and fillers, administered in a safe environment by qualified, trained individuals can work wonders and make people feel great. That said, they are very limited in what they can achieve, and a decent anti- ageing regime requires a combination of lots of different therapies. It’s also just like going to the gym - you have to keep it up or you lose the results!

HA: Yes, I think people will use more skincare products, as more products that promise new benefits and target specific skincare needs become available in the market.

This is the area of beauty that I get most excited about as it's constantly becoming more accessible and more ground-breaking. We can only predict where anti-ageing skincare will go next, but you can be sure that it will definitely be exciting.